Raja Ampat District Government Establishes Village-Owned Enterprise In Saonek

RAJA AMPAT DISTRICT GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHES VILLAGE-OWNED ENTERPRISE IN SAONEK SORONG, W Papua, Mar 17 (Antara) - The Raja Ampat district government in West Papua Province has established a village-owned enterprise (BUMDes) on Saonek Island to boost the local community's economy, especially of the fishermen. Head of Raja Ampat District Abdul Faris Umlati stated in Sorong City on Thursday that the BUMDes was established to realize the local government's vision and mission to drive the economy and develop tourism. Umlati lauded the Waigeo Selatan sub-district government for supporting the establishment of the BUMDes to help the local community to boost its economy. "Saonek Island has developed the fisheries industry that produces various products, such as salted fish, shredded tuna, and fish crackers, and hence, the presence of the BUMDes will advance the local community industry," he noted. Meanwhile, Head of Waigeo Selatan Sub-district Nyoman Sari Buana remarked that the BUMDes was formed to increase the output of the fisheries industry of Saonek Island community. He pointed out that the fisheries industry in Saonek Island was quite advanced, but the local people face difficulties in marketing their fishery products. Hence, the local government has formed the BUMDes to help the people of Saonek Island to market their fishery products in order to improve their welfare. Saonek Island's BUMDes will serve as a pilot project for the development of the village economy to advance other villages in Raja Ampat District, as the local community has managed its fisheries products creatively. "The presence of BUMDes on Saonek Island will certainly increase the local community's income. Saonek will be a pilot project for the economic development of the coastal community in all villages of Raja Ampat District," he added.